Magician hits his Stride in Oakland

Performing magic for children and adults is an art form. There are many San Francisco Bay Area magicians whose magic is geared to adults, since it's challenging to perform child appropriate magic.

Magician James was able to be entertaining for all age groups, and received accolades from the event planner at their annual family Christmas party in Oakland.

According to this event planner:

"Hello Stan:

Just wanted to let you know that Mr. James was a big hit at our Christmas party. The new modified act was a very nice blend. The kids were kept involved and the parents were entertained!
Thank you again. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season."

Here's Magician James, showing a child that linking and unlinking wire hangers is more complicated than it seems.

He also uses a prop known as "Rocky the Raccoon," a squirrel puppet that jumps in and out of mini garbage pail. He is the only known Bay Area magician who uses hand puppets.

Celebrity Gems arranges magicians in Oakland, Fremont, Castro Valley, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Mateo, and San Jose.

Brazilian and Hawaiian music and dance in Palo Alto

Brazilian music with Salsa dancers and Hawaiian music with Hula Dancers entertained at an "international theme" in Palo Alto.

The music and dancers added that perfect touch.

According to the event planner:

Event was great – more and more people each year.  Yikes!

Thanks again, for all your help.

Celebrity Gems arranges Hawaiian music, hula dancers, Brazilian music and Salsa dancers in Palo Alto, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Woodside, Walnut Creek, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, and San Jose.

Famed duo of Chinese Acrobats and Chinese Lion Dancers in Palo Alto

Chinese Acrobats and Chinese Lion Dancers performed at an "international theme" in Palo Alto. Considered to be our most in demand "wow act," these talented performers have entertained to raves at Harrah's Lake Tahoe, at a corporate event in Redwood City, and for private parties in Pleasanton, Woodside, and Walnut Creek.

This multi talented duo has additional skills, adding value by Stilt Walking and by Juggling, and can be booked for multiple hours.

Celebrity Gems arranges Chinese Lion Dancers and Chinese Acrobats in Palo Alto, Redwood City, Woodside, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, San Mateo, Fremont, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.

White Faced Mime as a Meet and Greet in Concord

A traditional white faced Mime was a "meet and greet" and a mix and mingle at a  corporate V.I.P. in Concord, California.

A mime is a creative idea to loosen up a crowd, make great conversation, and a mime makes a dynamic photo opportunity.

The event planner shared her feedback:

"The Mime was AMAZING."

Celebrity Gems arranges Mime in Concord, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Fremont, Oakland, San Mateo, San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Sacramento, Tracy, Hayward, and Castro Valley.

Private party in Alameda made memorable with Entertainment

Celebrity Gems made a holiday Christmas party in a lovely 1830's Victorian Home in Alameda memorable, special, and fun, for 70 partygoers.

Our pianist showcased his baby grand piano, there was a strolling and stage show magician, and we arranged the caterer with servers.  We made his party stress free, with entertainment, food, and cheer for everyone.

The pianist included pop, jazz, Broadway show tunes, and; the Magician weaved story telling in his 30 minute stage show. The caterer's appetizers, passed hors d'oeuvres, and desserts were a masterpiece.

The host was delighted:

Hi Stan and Barbara,

The party was a HUGE success. The hardest part was getting rid of friends at the end of the evening. We just love Kim -- as always his magic and his stories make the evening wonderful. Richard was perfect and please let him know how much we enjoyed his play, as did many of our guests. Dawn was perfect for the evening food and festivities -- very professional, efficient and the house looked great afterward. All in all, another wonderful Celebrity Gems event. You guys are the BEST!!!!

Happy Holidays,

Your loyal clients

Celebrity Gems arranges catering, magicians, and pianists in Alameda, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Sacramento, San Mateo, and Fremont.

Showgirl adds Glamour at Casino theme in Benicia

There are many ways Las Vegas casinos allure gamblers and guests. A Las Vegas Showgirl made a surprise appearance at the Benicia Arsenal, Benicia, at a casino theme hosted by a 100 person company.  Our glamorous Showgirl was a meet and greet, strolled the gaming tables, and posed for pictures.

According to the Event Planner- She was Awesome, very friendly. It turned out great. Thanks again!

Celebrity Gems arranges showgirls and celebrity impersonators Marilyn Monroe, Sammy Davis Jr., and Austin Powers in Benicia, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Fremont, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, San Mateo, and Sacramento.

Jazz Quartet for Birthday Party in Sunnyvale

The Kelly Park Trio, with Lisa Lindsey, added that perfect touch for a birthday party in Sunnyvale.
Kelly was perfect in reading the crowd of over 70 partygoers, with a variety of standards, jazz, popular, Las Vegas Rat Pack, and songs from the 60's through the 90's.

The party planner was delighted:

Kelly is a doll.  And so talented.  Lisa is a gem.  The group was so very perfect for the occasion as well as for the intimate space that we had.  The playlist was right on and everyone at the party LOVED the performers as well as the performance.  You said I would love it and you were exactly right.  This was the perfect act for this party.  So much better than what I was originally asking for.  That was a genius move on your part, Stan. 

Celebrity Gems arranges Jazz Trios, Jazz Quartets, and Dance Bands in Sunnyvale, San Jose, San Mateo, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, San Francisco, Oakland, and Fremont.

Fortune Teller Predicts a rosy future of money and good luck in San Jose

"A Night in Vegas" and Casino Night are one of the most popular themes for corporate events and private parties. A Silicon Valley Hi-Tech Company arranged blackjack and roulette tables, and as an added attraction, a Tarot Card reader. We hope that our fortune teller predicted wealth, huge jackpots, and a rosy future for all the partygoers.

The San Jose event planner was pleased with the Tarot Card reader and her predictions, and wants her back in 2013.

"Dinnie was terrific. I just sent the check by mail today. Hoping to do this next year….."

Celebrity Gems arranges fortune tellers, tarot card readers, palm readers, and caricaturists in San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Walnut Creek, and San Ramon.

Michael Jackson impersonator for 80's theme in San Jose

When a San Jose hi-tech company celebrated their 40th Anniversary, they arranged 80's Go-Go dancers, a Ronald Reagan impersonator, and a Dean Martin impersonator.

Our Michael Jackson impersonator, AKA Gerald, surprised and electrified the crowd, leading a Flash Mob to "Thriller" and to "Billie Jean."  Here is Michael, with Las Vegas Showgirls.

According to the San Jose event planner:

"Hi Stan,

The client was VERY happy with the Michael Jackson impersonator. I followed up with Gerald throughout the two weeks prior to the event to make sure he was talking to the flash-mob coordinator and everything was getting settled - and he was great and very responsive!

My client even used the words "magical" when describing him, haha. 

So overall it went very well! Thanks for everything!"

Celebrity Gems arranges a Michael Jackson impersonator, a Dean Martin impersonator, Showgirls, the Flash Mob in San Jose, Fremont, Oakland, San Francisco, San Mateo, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Dublin, Hillsborough, and Sacramento.

Heralding Trumpets and Fanfares on the Boulevard in Castro Valley

There was a regal celebration in Castro Valley. Heralding the construction and completion of Castro Valley Boulevard in Castro Valley, Toy Soldiers marched in formation up and down Castro Valley Boulevard. They later led a light parade of community wide floats, classic cars, Irish folk dancers, and Castro Valley elementary schools. This street completion also served as the kickoff for Christmas in November, hosted by Castro Valley business owners and the Castro Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The event planner shared her feedback:

Hi Stan

"The entertainers were a great success as was the event overall.  Thanks so much for your participation in the planning process and for suggesting the type of entertainment.  It was great to have the entertainers roaming up and down the boulevard as everyone who attended did the same.  It really helped to create one big festive atmosphere." 

Celebrity Gems arranges marching bands and toy soldiers ensembles in Castro Valley, Hayward, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Dublin, San Mateo, San Jose, Oakland, and San Francisco.

Juggling Elf rides his Unicycle on Castro Valley Boulevard, Castro Valley

A juggling elf on a unicycle rode up and down Castro Valley Boulevard in Castro Valley. Celebrating the two year construction and completion of Castro Valley Boulevard, this talented performer made wheelies on his unicycle, juggled sponge balls, and surprised everyone with a colorful Origami fan.

This family event was the "kickoff" of Christmas in November, an event celebrating the new and improved Castro Valley Boulevard.

Celebrity Gems arranges Jugglers and Magician in Castro Valley, Pleasanton, Fremont, Oakland, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, San Mateo, San Francisco, and Hillsborough.

Balloon Artists on the Boulevard in Castro Valley

Two balloon making elves joined in the celebration of the upgrade of Castro Valley Boulevard, Castro Valley. Hosted by the Alameda Country Redevelopment and the Castro Valley Chamber of Commerce, the elf balloon artists made this event a family affair by sculpting candy cane, dinosaur, and sword balloons for the children.

Celebrity Gems arranges balloon artists in Castro Valley, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, Hayward, San Francisco, Oakland, San Mateo, Fremont, and San Jose.

Princes Leia Costume Character makes a Sword Balloon for Swat Team in Danville

The Swat Team landed at Blackhawk Plaza, Danville, and Princess Leia, from Star Wars fame, made a variety of balloons for the different Halloween costumed characters. Her balloon artistry included sword balloons, puppy balloons, heart balloons, and butterfly balloons. She was joined by costumed character Prince Funny.
Celebrity Gems arranges balloon artists and costumed characters in Danville, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Fremont, San Jose, San Mateo, San Francisco, and Sacramento

Costumed Character Prince Funny reigns supreme in Danville

Parents deserved gold stars for costume design at the Halloween Scream Contest, Blackhawk Plaza, Danville. Children were dressed as Lady Bugs, Princesses, Vampires, Super Mario, and Train Conductors.
A Prince Funny costumed character judged the winners, with the children screaming for their favorite character. Here's an adorable Michael Jackson character, judged number one, by his peers.

Celebrity Gems arranges costumed characters and a real Michael Jackson impersonator in Danville, San Ramon, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, San Mateo, San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland.

Juggler on a Unicycle full of tricks at Danville Shopping Center

Jeremy the Juggler tricked and treated his audience at a Halloween promotion hosted by the
Livery and Mercantile Shopping Center in Danville. Multi-talented Jeremy swallowed and juggled sponge balls, did wheelies on his unicycle, and made balloon swords and butterflies.

Celebrity Gems arranges jugglers, balloon artists, and face painters in Danville, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, San Francisco, San Mateo, Oakland, Fremont, Albany, San Jose, and Sacramento.

Food Expo Entertainment Sizzles at Harrah's Lake Tahoe

The Food and Wine Expo, AKA "Beyond the Fork" at Harrah's Lake Tahoe was billed as an interactive  culinary experience, with food and wine tastings and cookbook author guest lecturers. Celebrity Gems arranged the entertainment in the main expo hall and tent area with Chinese acrobats, Lion Dancers, Salsa Dancers, and a Jazz and Pop ensemble.

Celebrity Gems arranges Lion Dancers, Samba Dancers, Jazz and Pop ensembles in Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Oakland, Fremont, San Mateo, Hillsborough, and Napa.

Face painter and DJ entertain at Oakland Bar Mitzvah

There was entertainment for everyone, at Adam's Bar Mitzvah at Scott's Seafood Restaurant, Oakland.

Face painting is popular with teens and adults, and face painters are often booked with henna at corporate events and private parties. DJ Joshua got into the party mood with the Mike Tyson design, with artistry by Sandra, at Scott's Seafood Restaurant, overlooking the water, at Jack London Square, Oakland.

Here's the DJ team with thumbs up, with their music as "the heart  and soul of the party." This team played the techno music during Yo-Yo Joe's ten minute show.

Celebrity Gems arranges face painters, and DJ's in Oakland, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, San Francisco, San Jose, Napa, Sacramento, Palo Alto, and Hillsborough.

Boy brings Yo-Yo to Bar Mitzvah in Oakland

Who would have thought, in this hi-tech world, that a toy originating in China 1000 BC would be a theme for a Bar Mitzvah in Oakland. One of Adam's hobbies is yo-yo and he selected that theme for his Bar Mitzvah. Yo-Yo Joe, winner of competitions worldwide, gathered the boys, girls, and some adults, and demonstrated his yo-yo wizardry. A highlight of the afternoon was his ten minute show, choreographed to techno-music, at Scott's Seafood Restaurant, Oakland.

Celebrity Gems arranges Yo-Yo acts in Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo, Fremont, Hillsborough, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Napa, and Sacramento.

Henna artist attracts long lines at Stoneridge Mall, Pleasanton

The artwork of henna, which traces its roots to India, Africa, and the Middle East, has been adapted to Western cultures. Henna, which has been practiced for over 5000 years, is popular entertainment at Grad nights, Corporate events, birthdays, and Bat Mitzvahs. Here's henna artist Lena, attracting long lines at "Girls Night Out," Stoneridge Shopping Center, Pleasanton.

Celebrity Gems arranges henna, face painters, and caricaturists in Pleasanton, San Ramon, Danville, San Francisco, Walnut Creek, San Mateo, Oakland, and Fremont.

Kelly Park Jazz duo for Breast Cancer awareness in Palo Alto

Many of us have family and friends who are afflicted with Breast Cancer. It is estimated that one in eight women are afflicted with this terrible disease.  With the goal of community awareness, The Estee Lauder Companies have launched a worldwide "20 Years of Courage" campaign, with the goal of elimination and treatment. Town and Country Village, Palo Alto, hosted their Breast Cancer awareness day, with breast cancer survivors, families, and information booths.

The Kelly Park Jazz Duo provided upbeat Broadway show tunes, jazz, and standards.
According to the meeting planner: Hi Stan, They sounded great and were perfect for this event. I enjoyed talking with Kelly as well! 

Celebrity Gems arranges jazz, standards, top 40, and motown in Palo Alto, San Jose, San Ramon, San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont, and San Mateo.

French duo at Wine Crush in Calistoga

Parlez vous Francaise? A French duo added that charm to a Bordeaux Wine Crush hosted by
Bennett Lane Winery, Calistoga.
According to the General Manager: "THEY WERE FANTASTIC."

Celebrity Gems arranges ethnic music-including French, Brazilian, Chinese, Hawaiian, Latin, Caribbean, Cuban in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, San Mateo, Fremont, Sacramento, Napa, Walnut Creek, and Sonoma.

Rhythm and Blues and Motown tribute band at 80th birthday in Alameda

What a fitting tribute for an 80th birthday. A jazz, standards, and motown band added that perfect compliment to an afternoon party at the Grand View Pavilion, Alameda. A highlight was Stacy's impersonation of Diana Ross and the Supremes, and their solid gold hits from the mid 60's, plus Stacy and her band leading everyone in the Happy Birthday song.

According to the celebrant:

"Everyone thought they were the best.  Staci was able to round up all and get them on the dance floor.

She was very accommodating, great combination with other singers.  Lovely group.  They added greatly to my 80th.  Thanks Stan"

Celebrity Gems arranges motown, jazz, disco, and standards music and bands in San Francisco, San Jose, San  Ramon, Walnut Creek, Oakland, Fremont, Sacramento, Napa, and Sonoma.

Austin Powers shagged 200 classmates at 1972 class reunion in Sacramento

The 1970's was the decade of James Bond and Matt Helm. As a parody of the 1970's and spy movies,  an Austin Powers impersonator joined by a Marilyn Monroe impersonator, were meet and greet and mix and mingle at the "Class of 1972" reunion in Sacramento.

The organizer was thrilled. Both impersonators loosened up the crowd, made great conversation, and posed for pictures. Here are his comments:
Stan,

"Please pass this note on to Camille and Darryl who, by the way, 'knocked it out of the ballpark' last night. 

  As our guests arrived, they made them feel welcome- immediately.  Humor got this party going in the right direction and they helped set the tone for the rest of the night, which was VERY festive. 

  They looked like they were having a good time and that got others in the same mood. 

  The first cut of our video (that night) was incredible and it had the classmates in stitches. 

  Although I tipped Camille and Darryl last night, it was definitely not enough for a job well done. I am dropping an additional tip to split in the mail. Can you make sure it gets to them?

   Thank you very much for helping make last night a VERY SPECIAL evening for 200 Classmates, many of which had not sen each other in 40 years. The energy was magic."

    Celebrity Gems arranges celebrity impersonators and lookalikes in Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Fremont, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Walnut Creek, Napa, and San Ramon.

    Our most popular impersonators and lookalikes, arranged in the San Francisco Bay Area, include Austin Powers, Marilyn Monroe, Sammy Davis, Jr., Indiana Jones, James Bond, Sean Connery, and Michael Jackson.

Comedians go back to school at St. Mary's College in Moraga

Students and parents had something to laugh about at St. Mary's College in Moraga. Two comedians and one magician entertained over 300 audience members at "Parents Weekend," which was the 150th Anniversary of St. Mary's College, a Liberal Arts College in the San Francisco Bay Area. When one comedian asked the students their majors, no one mentioned "comedy."  He then remarked how comedy made him independently wealthy and that anyone interested in comedy as a career choice could see him after the show. It was obvious that no one took him up on his career counseling. Students did pose with him, the headline comedian, and the magician and emcee, with favorable comments that there was something for everyone. A magician for the children and audience members who enjoy magic, the headline comedian who is a parent to three children, and a younger comedian whose comedy appealed to the college freshman.

Celebrity Gems arranges comedians and magicians in Moraga, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Oakland, San Mateo, Fremont, and Walnut Creek.

Austin Powers makes guest appearance in San Francisco

An international sales meeting at the prestigious Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco needed a surprise character to "lighten-up" their award presentation.

Direct from England, who but Austin Powers made a surprise appearance and who but Austin co-hosted as Emcee.  Austin gathered "inside information" on the company and their awardees, played off of them, and added improvisational comedy to their slide presentation.

The event planner's goal was to make his award program fun for all.
Here is his glowing feedback on Austin Powers, and his debut at the Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco.

"Hi Stan, Austin Powers was perfect and we will be using 

your services for other events. We wanted everyone at our award program 

to have fun, and he added that humorous touch as co-host 

and emcee perfectly." 

Celebrity Gems arranges impersonators and lookalikes,including Austin Powers, 

Marilyn Monroe, Lady Gaga, James Bond, Sammy Davis, jr., the Rat Pack, in 

San Francisco, San Jose, Fremont, San Mateo, Walnut Creek, Sacramento. 

Groovy Baby!!!